Heineken Cup P5: ASM Clermont vs Scarlets

[Feicarsinn]

Stade Marcel Michelin, Clermont - 13/10/2012 (16:40)

TV: FR2/Sky Sports​

 

[Tony Manx]

This must be 49, No?

Must be cos BO are next and am sure they are the potential 50th victim?

There must e someone out there who knows..................................?

 

[ZeFrenchy]

It would be no 48 I think. They have to beat BO and Toulon to get 50.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

I think the two posts above sum up the Scarlets chances of actually winning this match. A losing bonus point is not beyond them, but if they can turn up at the Stade Marcel Michelin without a pack and come away with a victory, it'd be the most remarkable match in the history of the Heineken Cup. Their best shout is to hope Clermont buy into the free-flowing game, and that the likes of Jonathan Davies and Liam Williams have stormers, while Preistland remembers how to kick.

 

[Peat]

Pack yer lube boys.

 

[psychic duck]

The Ospreys showed the blueprint of how to beat the Scarlets. Unfortunately for the Scarlets, Clermont have much better players than the Ospreys to execute the game plan.

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[Draggs]

Decent analysis from Holley, but it begs the question, why were the Ospreys so clueless when he was at the helm?
Beating the Scarlets requires only one thing: a pack.

 

[psychic duck]

Decent analysis from Holley, but it begs the question, why were the Ospreys so clueless when he was at the helm?
Beating the Scarlets requires only one thing: a pack.

Yes. The way to beat the Scarlets isn't rocket science. Astounded me that they somehow managed to beat Northampton away last year, although I think it was partly a lucky victory.

 

[Draggs]

Yes. The way to beat the Scarlets isn't rocket science. Astounded me that they somehow managed to beat Northampton away last year, although I think it was partly a lucky victory.

Yeah, I was expecting a roasting.
I won't say that for this match, but what I will say is that I expect Clermont to be in control, unless Brock James has other ideas. Scarlets need to pretend to be Irish, that will put him off.

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Clermont side announced:

15. Lee Byrne
14. Sitiveni Sivivatu
13. Aurelien Rougerie
12. Wesley Fofana
11. Napolioni Nalaga
10. Brock James
9. Morgan Parra
8. Damien Chouly
7. Julien Bonnaire
6. Gerard Vosloo
5. Nathan Hines
4. Jamie Cudmore
3. Davit Zirakashvili
2. Benjamin Kayser
1. Thomas Domingo

16. Ti'i Paulo
17. Vincent Debaty
18. Daniel Kotze
19. Julien Pierre
20. Elvis Vermeulen
21. Ludovic Radosavljevic
22. David Skrela
23. Benson Stanley

Not a bad looking side. I'd have liked to see Lapandry, I think he's the future for France.

 

[welshglory]

Scarlets side:

15.Liam Williams
14.George North
13.Jonathan Davies
12.Scott Williams
11.Morgan Stoddart
10.Rhys Priestland
9.Tavis Knoyle
8.Rob McCusker (c)
7.Josh Turnbull
6.Aaron Shingler
5.Johan Snyman
4.George Earle
3.Samson Lee
2.Matthew Rees
1.Phil John

16.Ken Owens
17.Shaun Hopkins
18.Deacon Manu
19.Sione Timani
20.Kieran Murphy
21.Gareth Davies
22.Aled Thomas
23.Gareth Maule

It'll be a miracle if the Scarlets can handle the scrummaging power and physicality of Clermont.
As i thought they've selected Rees, his scrummaging will be vital.
Huge test in particular for Samson Lee against Domingo, one of the best scrummaging looseheads in the world.

 

[Teh Mite]

Yes. The way to beat the Scarlets isn't rocket science. Astounded me that they somehow managed to beat Northampton away last year, although I think it was partly a lucky victory.

Debuting a centre at fullback (I.e. Pisi) was a big factor. That said they still coughed up a LBP.

 

[dullonien]

Yup massive test for young Samson. He was excellent against the Dragons in his first Pro12 start, but this is a huge step up against Domingo. If he get's through this with an enhanced reputation, then Gatland will be welcoming him with open arms. I have a sneaky suspicion he will hold his own in this game, but then I love the bloke, for his age the best tighthead Wales has produced in my living memory (i.e. better than a 19y/o Adam Jones).

Whether that will be enough to stop the Scarlets getting beaten up front I'm not sure. Pity Rhodri Jones is injured, as he's a better player than Phil John on the looshead, while the Scarlets backrow can be a little up and down. Big game needed from Turnbull.

Nice to see Stoddart back in the backline. A little harsh on Fenby who has been very good this season, but Stoddart is a step-up in quality and his understanding with Jon Davies is normally excellent. Priestland really needs to have his kicking boots on. If he misses as many kicks as he has done so far this season the Scarlets will have no chance.

 

[Draggs]

With the exception of right wing (which is very close, if not equal), I'd say Clermont's backline is better, man for man.

 

[Tony Manx]

I criticised Fitzgibbon for his performance last week but admire him for having the balls to yellow card Stoddart knowing it would be a red for being a second but Sivivatu should have passed and not had white line fever.........ASM back on course

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Stoddart has been red carded, two yellow cards. Not as good as some make out.

 

[Draggs]

Stoddart has been red carded, two yellow cards. Not as good as some make out.

Missed the first card but the second was certainly a yellow.
Shame, after a season out and all that.
Halftime. 16-13 to Clermont.

 

[psychic duck]

Samson Lee struggling against the Clermont front row, which to be fair is expected considering his age and he is facing two established quality international props probably of the highest quality he has faced during his career. Having Phil John on the other side also doesn't help.

Despite the scores being quite even, Clermont are easily on top of this game and should be looking for 3 tries and a bonus point win in the second half.

Missed the first card but the second was certainly a yellow.
Shame, after a season out and all that.
Halftime. 16-13 to Clermont.

First was unlucky, came after a load of Scarlets penalties and a card was shown after them mounting up. The second was blatant killing of the ball as Clermont would have probably scored a try otherwise.

ScarletFever probably has other ideas on the matter though.

 

[dullonien]

Damn BBC, they have the kick-off time as 16:40 so I've missed the first half.

How are the Scarlets getting on? The scoreline is close, is that a good reflection of the game? Scarlets forwards getting battered?

What were Stoddart's two yellow cards for?

 

[Tony Manx]

Damn BBC, they have the kick-off time as 16:40 so I've missed the first half.

Was in in France..............................!!